2025 NBA All-Star Game new format explained: Why are there four teams?

It’s All-Star Sunday, but not as you know it. After concern about the quality of action in recent years the league stepped in revamp the competition and introduce a brand-new format.

Last December, the NBA announced that the All Star Game will now feature a four-team tournament, played across a single day with a healthy cash prize for the winners. In addition, there’s the usual packed schedule of games, contests and media appearances from the league’s biggest stars.

The new format will debut at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Sunday, February 16.

What is the new All-Star format?

For the first time, the All Star Game will not be comprised of two teams, but four. Each team will consist of an eight-man roster, three of which will be made up of the 24 players selected in the traditional system. That means 12 players from the Eastern Conference and 12 from the West.

The fourth team - Rising Stars - is the winning team from Friday’s Castrol Rising Stars event. That brought together the best rookies and sophomores from the league, along with the biggest stars of the G League. The victorious Team C advance Sunday’s tournament.

Each will have a symbolic general manager to lead the team: Shaquille O’Neal (Shaq’s OGs), Charles Barkley (Chuck’s Global Stars), Kenny Smith (Kenny Young Stars) and Candace Parker (Candace’s Rising Stars).

In another twist to the format, each game will be won by the first team to reach 40 points. This promises to bring greater excitement with shorter, more intense games across Sunday’s schedule.

How are players selected for the All-Star Game?

For all the changes to the format, the selection process for the NBA All-Stars remains familiar.

Of the 24 players selected, 10 ‘starters’ were chosen by a vote of fans (50% of the vote), players (25%) and the media (25%). The remaining 14 members were selected on by the coaches.

If a replacement is necessary, such as for the injured Giannis Antetokounmpo, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver chooses the new All-Star. Each five-man starting team is comprised of with two backcourt players (point guards and shooting guards) and three frontcourt players (small forwards, power forwards and centers). Here’s a look at those rosters...

Shaq’s OGs: LeBron James (Lakers), Stephen Curry (Warriors), Kyrie Irving (Mavericks, in place of the injured Anthony Davis), Jayson Tatum (Celtics), Kevin Durant (Suns), Damian Lillard (Bucks), James Harden (Clippers) and Jaylen Brown (Celtics).

Kenny’s Young Stars: Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves), Jalen Brunson (Knicks), Jaren Jackson Jr (Grizzlies), Jalen Williams (Thunder), Darius Garland (Cavaliers), Evan Mobley (Cavaliers), Cade Cunningham (Pistons) and Tyler Herro (Heat).

Chuck’s Global Stars: Nikola Jokic (Nuggets), Trae Young (Hawks, in place of the injured Giannis Antetokounmpo), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder), Victor Wembanyama (Spurs), Pascal Siakam (Pacers), Alperen Sengun (Rockets), Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks) and Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers).

Candace' Rising Stars: Stephon Castle (Spurs), Dalton Knecht (Lakers), Jaylen Wells (Grizzlies), Keyonte George (Jazz), Zach Edey (Grizzlies), Trayce Jackson-Davis (Warriors), Ryan Dunn (Suns).

The 2025 players will receive a healthy financial incentive. This year’s NBA All-Star Game has a total prize pool of $1.8 million, with all 32 players getting a slice. Each player on the winning team will take home $125,000. Those on the second-place team will get $50,000 and those on the teams that lose in the semi-finals will get $25,000.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.